Vanuatu Government Officials

Security forces loyal to Vanuatu's ousted leader reportedly arrested the new prime minister shortly after his inauguration. Barak Sope, who was sworn in by President George Ati Sokomanu, and at least six supporters were taken into custody by security forces, a government official said. Sokomanu had dissolved the South Pacific island nation's Parliament and dismissed Prime Minister Walter Lini on Friday after elections that gave Lini's ruling party control of the 46-seat Parliament.

Security forces loyal to Vanuatu's ousted leader reportedly arrested the new prime minister shortly after his inauguration. Barak Sope, who was sworn in by President George Ati Sokomanu, and at least six supporters were taken into custody by security forces, a government official said. Sokomanu had dissolved the South Pacific island nation's Parliament and dismissed Prime Minister Walter Lini on Friday after elections that gave Lini's ruling party control of the 46-seat Parliament.